It's time for the big questions everyone asks themselves: Why am I here? What am I here to do? Dr. Robert Holden reveals six powerful exercises to help you discover and live your purpose. (Hint: It's not just about you!)

By Dr. Robert Holden

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Suddenly, I knew what I wanted. It was the eve of my fourth birthday, and for weeks I had been trying to decide what big present I'd like on my special day. Nothing had sprung to mind, until now. I immediately went to find my mum.

"Mummy, I know what I want for my birthday," I yelled. "What do you want?" she asked, excitedly. "I want a briefcase," I said, jumping up and down. "Really?" she asked. "Yes, it's what I really, really want!" "Why do you want a briefcase?" "I want to do something important with my life," I said. "What do you want to do?" my mum asked. "I don't know yet," I said, "but having a briefcase will be a big help."

It starts from an early age—the curiosity about life and what life is really for. Initially, the curiosity expresses itself as questions: Why is there a sun? What is the purpose of ants? Why did God make cucumbers? Why do we have skin? Why do I have a life? If the curiosity is encouraged, you explore the questions looking for insights, inspiration, epiphanies and eureka moments. The rest of your life is about living the questions and discovering the answers that help you to be truly happy.

In my work, I help individuals, groups and organizations to clarify and strengthen their sense of purpose. My clients recognize the essential value of knowing your purpose, and so they often fly me across the world to help them explore this vital subject. Discovering your purpose is what helps you to be true to yourself, to remember what is real, to be creative, to be resilient and to live your best life. A purpose-led life is a blessed life.

If I asked you, "What is the purpose of your life?" what would you say? Have you figured it out yet? Are you still searching? Are you clearer than you used to be? In this article, I am going to share with you six coaching exercises that have helped me to get clear about my life purpose. I have shared these exercises with thousands of people over the years. They really work, and they can work for you too. I must emphasize, however, these exercises are not just for your spiritual entertainment; they require some work from you! So let's begin.